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mogwai - mr. beast - i originally got turned on to mogwai from their track on 1999’s everything is nice matador records anthology and have been a fan ever since. i was a little disappointed in their last album, happy songs for happy people, as it was a little too pretty and lacking in the dark explosiveness that made their earlier efforts so much fun to listen to. good news; this is as triumphant of a return to form as one can expect. there are certainly some gorgeous songs on here that would be welcome on either the ironically-titled rock action or happy songs but there’s also some interesting change-ups such as pedal steel on “acid food” and full-on rock explosions in “glasgow mega snake” and “we’re no here”. another interesting note is that these songs are much shorter than what one is used to finding on mogwai records. everything is a more direct and more urgent, making mr. beast their best record in years. highly recommended. (mogwai plays at the starlight ballroom in philadelphia on thursday may 11)

garrison starr - the story of you and me - i’ve read that garrison starr’s voice is reminiscent of lucinda williams’ but it’s still one of the best country rock voices i’ve ever heard. seriously, it gives me chills sometimes. i have most of her records (the exception being 2004’s airstreams and satellites) and have been rarely disappointed. i’m sure this record could be accused of being middle of the road - it’s overly produced at times, polished and things follow the typical rock/pop structure. it doesn’t bother me because sometimes all you want to hear are well-written songs and a wonderful voice. in that area, the story of you and me matches up with any “cool”, traditional, alt-country record currently out there. recommended if you can look past the XPN/AOR-ishness of it. (garrison starr plays at the tin angel in philadelphia on wednesday april 5)

on a side note, i think the iTunes store is totally clunky, inefficient and an annoyance to use. trying to redeem a gift card is an excruciating ordeal (here’s a hint: it’s in small print in the left menu towards the bottom of the main storefront screen). and why can’t they give you a lo-fi preview of an entire song? or let you save searches? bah!

1000 travels of jawaharlal - owari wa konai - jim sent me this japanese indie post-hardcore record last night. aside from guitar vader and shonen knife, i’m usually leery of non-western guitar rock but this isn’t bad for a bunch of asians trying to — hey waitaminute!